Little Nightmares 3 marks a major milestone for the series, as it is the first entry developed by a new studio and the first to feature co-op multiplayer. Previously handled by Tarsier Studios, development has now shifted to Supermassive Games, a team well-known for its work on horror titles such as The Dark Pictures Anthology. Their take on Little Nightmares 3 manages to capture the eerie atmosphere and unsettling charm of the series remarkably well. In fact, their work here is nearly on par with—or perhaps even better than—what Tarsier achieved in the past. But how does the Switch 2 version hold up?
Surprisingly well. The Switch 2 port of Little Nightmares 3 is an impressive step up compared to the original Switch release. The jump in visual quality between the two consoles is immediately noticeable. The game looks beautiful when played in handheld mode, and it remains visually strong when docked. The only real issue comes from the Switch 2’s somewhat limited HDR performance. The game’s naturally dark aesthetic, combined with the system’s modest HDR output, can make certain scenes appear too dim or washed out. This is not a flaw of the Switch 2’s display itself—which looks excellent overall—but rather a result of the game’s heavy use of shadows and darkness. Occasionally, you may need to adjust the brightness to navigate more comfortably. When played docked on an OLED display, however, the visuals truly shine, making Little Nightmares 3 both haunting and beautiful in equal measure.
Little Nightmares 3 supports all major control options on the Switch 2, allowing players to enjoy it in tabletop, handheld, or docked mode using a controller. Each control method feels smooth and responsive, maintaining the same level of immersion regardless of how you choose to play. However, the lack of local co-op is a noticeable omission. While the game does feature online co-op, it misses the mark by not including cross-generation multiplayer support. To make matters worse, there is no cross-generation upgrade for Switch 2 owners. This means that if you already purchased the game for the original Switch, you are stuck playing that version on your Switch 2. It is a disappointing decision, especially considering how many other developers now provide free upgrade paths or bundle both versions of a game together for a single purchase.
Another letdown is the absence of a performance mode on the Switch 2. A 60 FPS option would have made a substantial difference, especially given how atmospheric and movement-driven Little Nightmares 3 is. As it stands, the game appears to run at 30 FPS. While the frame rate is stable and the visuals are impressive, the experience would have benefited from a smoother mode. Hopefully, the developers can optimize the game further in a future update, as even the Steam Deck reportedly manages to run it between 40 and 60 FPS, albeit at a lower resolution. Even an unlocked frame rate or a 40 FPS mode would significantly improve the overall experience on Switch 2.
Lastly, it is worth noting that alongside the lack of cross-generation multiplayer and the absence of an upgrade path, the developers have also made the odd decision to disable access to the first Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition on Switch 2. This means that if you want to experience the updated version on Nintendo’s new console, you will need to purchase it again. It is a disappointing move and raises questions about whether this restriction is due to limitations within the eShop or simply a deliberate business choice. Either way, it is not a consumer-friendly approach and may frustrate long-time fans of the series.
That said, when focusing purely on the Switch 2 version of Little Nightmares 3, it remains the best portable way to enjoy the game. Even with the 30 FPS cap, the visuals look fantastic on the Switch 2’s screen. The lighting, shadows, and textures come together beautifully, making the game’s eerie world as haunting as ever. When docked, the performance still holds steady, though it does fall short of the PS5 and PC versions in visual fidelity. Aliasing is noticeable, especially around character outlines, and the lack of a 60 FPS option stands out more in docked mode. Still, for players who value portability and visual quality on the go, the Switch 2 version offers a satisfying and atmospheric experience despite its shortcomings.
